Go Blue from April 2 to raise autism awareness

April is Autism Awareness Month and Autism Queensland has launched its annual Go Blue for Autism campaign to raise funds and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a lifelong developmental disability that affects one in 100 Australians.

Registrations are now open at www.goblueforautism.com.au for individuals, families, schools, workplaces and community groups to take part in the Queensland-wide event by dressing in blue or hosting Go Blue events on their chosen day in April.

The Go Blue for Autism website also includes news and events from around Queensland as well as promotional materials for download.

The Facebook page Twitter page @Goblue4autism and Instagram page (GoBlue4Autism) drives much of the campaign each year.

Internationally, World Autism Awareness Day is observed on 02 April every year and marks the start of Autism Awareness Month in Australia and Go Blue for Autism in Queensland.

Autism Queensland’s CEO Rod Cameron said over 150 Go Blue events were held across metropolitan and regional Queensland in 2016.

“Go Blue for Autism is now in its sixth year and 2017 is already off to a flying start with more than 40 Go Blue events registered since the start of February,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming back all those wonderful schools, families, businesses and others who have supported this campaign in previous years, and to meeting many more.

“The sky is the limit in what you choose to do; dress in blue, light your house or street in blue, organise a morning tea with a blue theme a Go Blue fundraiser at your school.

“We want everyone to have loads of fun when they Go Blue for Autism and Autism Queensland, which helps raise awareness of autism and valuable funds for the services we provide to Queenslanders with autism and their families,” Mr Cameron said.

Schools & community groups can apply to sell Go Blue for Autism merchandise on consignment (approval conditions apply) while businesses and individuals are invited to pre-purchase their items from the Go Blue for Autism online shop.

Autism now affects approximately one Australian in every 100; more people than cerebral palsy, diabetes, deafness, blindness and leukaemia put together.

In Queensland, there are over 10,000 school aged children living with autism.

Autism Queensland delivers state-wide education and therapy services and supports for children and adults with autism and their families from centres in Brisbane, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay and Cairns.